Luxury Real Estate

Todd has a passion for sailing. As a child he was taught to sail by his Grandfather and his Dad. At the age of 16, Todd achieved his Captains Ticket. He then began to manage and operate his family's charter boat business in Lunenburg. As a young man Todd sailed the Caribbean in the winters and our beautiful South Shore waters in the summer.

In 1987 Todd studied Travel and Tourism in London Ontario. In 1991 he received his Diploma in Sales and Marketing from the Nova Scotia Community College. Over the last 20 years Todd realized that the right career for him was real estate.

Todd is a member of the LaHave River Yacht Club and has served on the Executive. When asked what it is he loves about the South Shore, he replies "To see the South Shore of Nova Scotia is to know you're in paradise but to see it from the water is to know you are home."

Todd brings unparalleled customer service to Tradewinds Realty before, during and after the sale. Todd looks forward to helping you buy or sell and takes pride in making your next real estate ventures a pleasurable experience. Please call Todd, 902-212-1393, or drop by Tradewinds Bridgewater office, 673 King Street, to review our extensive property Display Gallery.

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty

Nassau, Bahamas. (October 5th, 2009) – President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, George Damianos recently attended the de Rham Sotheby’s International Realty Sailing Competition in Switzerland. The competition which was sponsored by Julius Baer presented a great opportunity for Damianos to socialize and network with the de Rham team as well as to discuss the real estate industry in their areas. Damianos commented that he had looked forward towards his trip to Switzerland as he was able to deepen his relationship with the European Sotheby’s affiliates.

The Julius Baer Challenge 2009 ended on September 20^th, 2009 with the SUI 1 Alinghi and SUI 5 Foncia winning first place on the Grand Prix du Beau Rivage, which is the last step of race. The entire event was a great success and concluded with a sit down dinner for around 500 people held at the Beau RIvage Palace. The invited guest were customers and bankers and other fund managers who help finance de Rahm Sotheby’s International Realty development projects.

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, serves the entire Bahamas and is headquartered in downtown Nassau with offices in Lyford Cay; Governor's Harbour and Spanish Wells Eleuthera; Marsh Harbour, Hope Town and Elbow Cay, Abaco; with associates in Treasure Cay, Abaco and Exuma. Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Bahamas offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

By: José Ribes Bas of Rimontgó

Article from: Reality Sense

The people of Valencia are delighted that the America’s Cup - the jewel in sailing’s crown - will be returning to this great port city in 2010.

Despite a regrettable period of legal wrangling between two of the teams, the final settlement of the dispute has resulted in the best possible outcome for Valencia. The local economy is guaranteed an economic boost from the arrival of the America’s Cup teams, plus their many technicians and supporters.

The winner of the 2007 competition - also held in Valencia - was the Swiss team Alinghi of the sailing club Société Nautique de Genève who, but for Switzerland’s lack of a coastline, would normally have been expected to host the next event. The situation was further complicated when, in July 2007, challengers BMW Oracle Racing issued a lawsuit against Alinghi and Société Nautique de Genève (SNG) via the Golden Gate Yacht Club.

The intricacies of this arcane dispute revolved around the belief that SNG’s nominated challenger was not a qualified team under the Deed of Gift, the document in which the rules for the competition are set out.

The settlement of this dispute will result in the first one-on-one race for 21 years. Team Alinghi will defend its title against its challenger, BMW Oracle in what looks certain to be one of the most hotly contested in years.

This feud might have been bad for international sailing, but it has certainly proved to be excellent news for the city and people of Valencia.

America’s Cup fans can buy their own piece of real estate, close to the centre of the action. Here are three top suggestions:

Apartment near City of Arts and Sciences and Marina

Luxurious Private Villa (or Small Hotel) Near Marina

Apartment short walk from Marina and City of Arts and Sciences and Marina

 By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

When a yacht leaves the docks for sailing adventure, the family and friends of the crew are standing on the dock waving your hands goodbye, and shouting “Do not be fearful!” This well known sailor’s mantra is because the crew have no idea what is going to happen during their voyage.

This phrase, “Do not be fearful,” is in many aspects of my life, not just sailing. How about real estate today. It is the phrase that is used by both the crew and the family and friends staying behind. My experience with this mantra is based on the fact that no one knows what will ever happen on a sailing adventure. The only certainty this is known by the crew and their family and friends is the latitude and longitude of the destination of the voyage. What happens from the moment you set sail to the moment you drop anchor at your destination is what is called “a sailing adventure”, or maybe we could substitute it with a business phrase - “a real estate adventure.”I could write a book about all of the unexpected events that have happened to me on many sailing adventures I have participated in the past 50 years. It is OK to have a healthy sense of fear for what may lie ahead, but fear does not prevent the sailor from setting sail, even by knowing the challenges that will be faced during the voyage. Someone that lets fear stop them from setting sail to a familiar or new destination is called a “landlubber”, not a sailor. So, fear can either serve you or it can paralyze you. I chose to have it serve me, even though I have been in some very scary moments during my life.

One example of my 50+ years of sailing adventures was during a sailboat delivery on the west coast from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. The sailboat was a MacGregor 65 that is a “rocket ship” that is only twelve feet wide and sixty-five feet long, and is primarily used for racing. It is not considered a “blue water” sailing vessel. It is just built for speed - 12 to 14 knots for a mono-hull, which is VERY fast! However, the MacGregor design is known to break up in moderate seas because of it being so narrow and light.

Off the Santa Barbara Islands our crew of four decided we better stress the boat to the max to see if there were any flaws that could be uncovered before we got into Mexican waters. We put all the sails up on a day of 20+ knot winds. Within minutes the boom broke in half with me standing next to it. It smacked me on my bald head and knocked me overboard.My crew mates acted quickly - another important trait of a sailor, and turned the yacht back into the wind, threw me a life preserver, and slid the boat gently beside me and snagged me with a mooring hook so as to bring back aboard. They then lashed to boom together and the “adventure” began of how we could design a sail pattern that would allows to limp into the San Diego for repairs.

As a sailor you need to constantly improvise during these types of moments which requires focused and inventive mind. With the boom broken in half you can’t use your mainsail effectively. So, we rigged it to use the jib and “jerry rigged” the main so we had a small portion of it in the wind. The repair was completed in less than a day, and we were off to Cabo for another successful delivery. Another sailing adventure was placed into the ship’s log book.

Here is the point of my story. The only way a person gets to “new shores” is by being on the “yacht” when it sets sail - in spite of your fears. In the midst of the continued world economic crisis there is fear and trembling happening with Realtors and their customers. Today is THE real estate market. There is no wishing it was different. It will not change because of wishing. So, we need to adapt, have a focused and curious mind as to how to solve the “challenges” that are presented to us each day, and create magnificent outcomes for each of them. I would rather be in the midst of a life adventure any day, as opposed to standing on the sidelines paralyzed with fear, and missing the experience. Let me know some of your experiences where fear was overcome in spite of it being present. Your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty. Until next time….fair winds!

By Jim Walberg of Carribean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg has just discovered one of the most decadent and luxurious chartered sailing vacations in the Caribbean - just for two people in Paradise!

So, I was having a discussion last week with Chris and Julie, who own s/y Felicia - the Privilege 65 catamaran based in the BVI. They told me about their dear friends, Ed and Natalie who have been sailing the Caribbean since 1994, and have created an ultra-luxury chartered sailing vacation experience in the Las Aves - an eight island chain just off of Bonaire , on their 52′ high-performance sloop, s/y Safari. I LOVE new sailing adventures so my curiosity got the best of me. I called Ed and Natalie up on Skype and began an amazing series of conversations about what they have created for their very discerning guests. What I discovered was SO exciting that I needed to share it with all of you immediately. Here goes…

Las Aves islands are just 30 miles off the coast of Bonaire, and just 70 miles from Curacao. Many of you know about this region of the Caribbean as the most pristine waters for sailing and diving. The diving experiences are so breathtaking that Bonaire is looked upon as the Caribbean’s dive destination. Las Aves means “birds” in Spanish. The area is a breeding ground for many unique bird species as well as turtles. It is a “sea” of marine and bird life any where you sail in these private islands and reefs. This is THE place to get away from any crowds. Ed and Natalie guarantee a private beach and anchorage everyday! WOW! You would never find this in the BVI or even the Grenadines.

This ultra-luxury charter yacht has all the amenities you could ever dream of, including Burmese teak decking, sparkling brightwork, and a teak interior, plus;

• Charter Guest Suite: Queen bed & full bath, lots of storage space in the guest cabin.
• Yacht Toys: Sailing & instruction opportunities; wind surfing; kayaking; snorkeling; golf “beach driving range”; beach hut; iPod docking station; SkyMate email;
• Daily Gourmet Experiences: This ultra-luxury sailing adventures includes Ed as your captain and Natalie as your world-class chef. All meals and beverages are provided, a well stocked super-premium bar, and vintage wines for your enjoyment at lunches and dinners.

How about this for a sample menu for your day’s dining experience?

• Breakfast: Poached Eggs, Warm Asparagus, Crispy Pancetta & Melted Camembert
• Lunch: Grilled Pineapple & Jerk Chicken with Island Sweet Potato Jumble
• Afternoon Hors d’Oeuvres: Jumbo Cassava crackers w/spicy chutneys
• Dinner: Braised Endive with Balsamic Sauce; Grilled Lobster Tail with Lime Butter; Herbed Jasmine Rice & Steamed Young Vegetables Dessert: Key Lime Pie with Gingersnap Crust ( Are you drooling yet?)
• Beverages For Your Day’s Enjoyment - Examples: Havana Club Special Dark Rum Mai Tai; your choice of sodas, water, and premium beers; Grey Goose Vodka Martinis; Heidsieck Monopole Brut Champagne Blue Top NV; Domaine Lebrun Pouilly Fumé 2006; Château Mazeyres Pomerol 1999; Castarede VSOP 10 Armagnac ( All of these are provided because thirst is a dangerous thing.)

Ed and Natalie sold their businesses in Montreal and headed south in 1994. They made a promise to “live slow” in Paradise and they are still keeping that promise everyday. And besides Natalie dazzling you with her gourmet meals each day, she is a professional artist and sells her paintings and jewelry all over the Caribbean. They also both speak English, French and Spanish.

This is a typical rave review of past guests, “Our travel style is to find an exotic, luxury destination that offers personalized attention. Safari Sailing gave us the boutique experience we were looking for, with an exotic locale and wonderful hosts. Being able to leave all decision- making to Ed and Natalie’s good judgment and great style led to a blissful ten days in Las Aves, where for the first time in years, we completely lost track of time. It was beyond all of our expectations.” Linda and Filip - Washington, DC

They only schedule from six to eight charters a year, so their pampered guests usually book a year in advance. Please contact me TODAY if you want more information about your next ultra-luxury exotic sailing adventure. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remainds on duty!

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Two charter vacation yacht owners who are also the crews on their gorgeous yachts, checked in with Jim Walberg regarding some experiences from their current 2009 season in the Virgin Islands.

S/Y Three Moons: Randy and Shelly Tucker - Owners/Crew

The instability of the economy is only making us work harder at perfecting our positive image of being a high level professionally crewed yacht. Yes, we are all networking more and reaching out in new ways to contact prospective clients. We are emphasizing that no corners are being cut for our guests, no matter the cost or the economy. ALL INCLUSIVE still means “all inclusive” for our guests. We are a premium yacht with three professional crew members that continue to serve each of our guests in a royal style. This seems so much smarter than making “desperation deals”. If it results in a quieter season overall, then the results will reflect positively with the great changes that have been made to our yacht. All of us have our 2009 “to do” list and are happily getting it “done” with an extra week of time here and there between charters!

Also, visit us at the Spring Show in St. Thomas at Yacht Haven Grande. It will be another opportunity to show off our “stuff” to the various charter vacation brokers. And…our 1^st Mate - Becca Lee, has been working as a Tour Guide for Princess Cruise Lines here in St. Thomas for a couple of years between charters. Last month she was awarded with the prestigious “Tour Guide of the Year” award. We topped off her excitement with a nice tiara to wear while washing dishes in the Three Moons Galley! Being a crew member always keeps us grounded in a state of reality. Becca has created quit an impression with our guests this year because of her non-stop fun-loving style. And, Jim, the weather is sunny, 85 degrees, and the water has 100 foot clarity and is 80+ degrees. Hope to see you at the VICL Spring Boat Show! We may even stop by and visit you again during the off-season as we explore more of the San Francisco Area.

S/V Felicia: Chris and Julie Bennett - Owners/Crew

Good to hear from you, Jim! We enjoyed your article on Tuscany two weeks ago. It was very reminiscent of where we live in France during the off-season - but on a much grander scale of course. Just beautiful - would love to see the hotel some day, when we’re done with our house and able to actually do some more serious exploring in Italy and France.

2009 has been our transition year as we stepped up in size and scale with our new catamaran Felicia. We had such a successful run on Blu Moon that has really served us with clients following us to our new charter vacation sailing vessel. We’re actually doing great given it is our first year with a new yacht. We have the reputation in the industry as one of the top crew and charter experiences for our guests, however our catamaran is somewhat unknown in the industry because it wasn’t actively chartered for the past several years.

With any business “stuff happens” that causes you to need to be light on your feet and make adjustments. We are having one of those moments. We are in the midst of an insurance claim with a boat that sailed into us with six cruise ship passengers on board. S/Y Felicia was actually on her mooring, we gone into town for supplies, and the other boat got itself wedged between our starboard hull and our mooring ball. Don’t ask me how they came to be sailing between the boats in 20+ knot winds (they picked the most two expensive boats in the anchorage to sail between that day)….I don’t know. So…we’re in a lift at the moment having the lifelines, stanchion and bowsprit repaired. We had to already turn away a charter last week because we couldn’t go out in that condition. Just hope we can get some relief from the insurance company. We “splashed” back in the water last Friday so we are very excited to get back into the action of the business we love so much - creating an extraordinary sailing vacation for cherished customers. Until next time…fair winds. Please keep in touch. We love your articles!

So, if you would like more information about one of the most unforgettable vacation experiences you will ever have in Paradise, contact me and I will be glad to send you the information you will need. I look forward to hearing from you.